How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer

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We’ve finally found the ultimate way to reheat pizza and that’s in the air fryer! Stop trying to revive day-old pizza in the microwave and learn how to reheat pizza in the air fryer.

» You might also like these Cajun Chicken Wings and then How to Reheat Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer.

how to reheat pizza in the air fryer

If you have an air fryer, there’s no need to use any other method again for reheating day old pizza. The air fryer not only crisps the bottom crust, but perfectly reinvigorates the toppings as it heats the slice through. When it comes out, it’s just as good as it was the first day.

Reheating pizza in an air fryer ensures crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. Begin by preheating the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a couple of minutes. Arrange the pizza slices evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring they lay flat and don’t overlap. Set the timer to 3 minutes. After the first minute, check to see if the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. You might need an additional 30 seconds to 2 minutes to get it perfect.

We love to make homemade pizza like this Buffalo Chicken Pizza. No more soggy leftover pizza!

two slices of pizza

Why Use the Air Fryer?

In case you’re wondering, we’ve tried all the methods of reheating pizza – from the oven to the microwave to a pan on the stovetop. The oven works fine, but it takes forever to preheat and seems like overkill for reheating just a few slices.

The microwave is fast, but it leaves the crust soggy. A pan on the stovetop gets a nice crispy crust, but the toppings don’t get sizzley – the way we like it.

That’s why that best way is to use the air fryer. The circulating air combined with the small space in the basket allow you to perfectly reheat a couple of slices of pizza very quickly, and it crisps the crust at the same time as it’s heating up the toppings.

How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer

The process is super simple. There’s no need for preheating. There’s no need to put anything down in the air fryer basket, like tin foil or parchment paper. The food isn’t in the fryer long enough to stick.

Place two slices of pizza in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook on 350° F for 3-4 minutes. I find that 3 minutes is perfect for a thin crust, and 4 minutes is perfect for a thicker crust.

two slices of pizza in the air fryer

Thicker pizza may need slightly longer, while thinner pizza may need slightly less time. Check at the 3 minute mark to gauge if it’s done or not.

As soon as it’s bubbly and sizzling on top, it’s ready to take out. If you leave it for too long, it might become dry and a little burned, so after 3 minutes do keep a good eye on it.

How to Reheat Frozen Pizza

Reheating frozen pizza in the air fryer is quick and easy.

Preheat your air fryer to 350° F.

Place your leftover frozen pizza in the air fryer basket. Try not to stack slices on top of each other. There needs to be room for the air to circulate. Depending on the size of the pizza and the air fryer, you may need to cut the pizza into smaller slices or pieces so that it fits in the basket.

Cook the pizza for 5-8 minutes, checking it frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn. Once the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, you can remove the pizza from the air fryer.

two slices of pizza in the air fryer

Do I Need to Use Oil?

It’s not necessary to use any oil when reheating pizza slices in the air fryer. As is typical with pizza, it has enough of its own grease to keep the toppings from getting dry. The grease in the crust will help it crisp up again without oil.

If your basket has lost its non-stick and things tend to stick on it, you can spray the basket before adding the slices to prevent sticking.

Should I Preheat the Air Fryer?

I never preheat my air fryer. Some models do require it, but most do not. The best benefit of the air fryer is not needing to preheat it. Just put your food in and cook per the time in the recipe.

two slices of pizza
ninja double air fryer

Ninja® Foodi®XL 2-Basket Air Fryer

  • 2 independent XL air fryer baskets
  • Integrated Foodi® Smart Thermometer
  • Cook 2 foods 2 ways that finish at the same time

Tips for Reheating Leftover Pizza in the Air Fryer

  • If you have a basket air fryer, you will only be able to fit in about 2 slices of pizza at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. Don’t try to stack them or the cheese will stick them together.
  • You might want to use a parchment paper round in the bottom of the basket to prevent sticking and burning of cheese, though I’ve found this isn’t really necessary. The crust gets crispier without anything in the bottom of the pan.
  • If you have a larger oven-style air fryer, you can re-heat as many slices as you want, as long as they fit on the tray without touching.
  • Air fryer temperatures can vary depending on the make and model, so always check your food for doneness and adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • Don’t try to pick the pizza out of the hot basket with your hands. Always use tongs to get the pizza out so you don’t burn yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pizza better reheated in the oven or the air fryer?

In our opinion, the air fryer is the way to go. It is way faster, your pizza will be reheated and ready to eat before your oven is even warm. Also, the air fryer makes your leftover pizza crisp and steamy just like fresh baked pizza.

How long should you reheat pizza in an air fryer?

Start out with 3-4 minutes and then check your pizza. If it’s not ready at that point add a minute or two and then check it again. Keep in mind that thick crust pizza may take long and every air fryer cooks differently.

How do you reheat pizza in an air fryer to make it crispy?

You don’t have to do anything special to pizza to make it crispy in the air fryer. The circulating air from the fans will reheat the oil on the crust of the pizza and make it nice and crispy.

Should I use aluminum foil or parchment paper under the pizza?

I do not recommend putting anything under the pizza in the air fryer when reheating it. Both foil and parchment paper will prevent the crust from getting crispy because the air cannot circulate as freely around it.

Before You Go

Since you made it to the end of this article, you’re probably pretty interested in the air fryer. Here are a few more articles we think you might enjoy.

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two slices of pizza

Reheated Pizza in the Air Fryer

It always seems like there's a better way to reheat pizza. Well you've finally found the ultimate way to reheat pizza and that's in the air fryer!
5 from 59 votes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Slices
Calories 3 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2 slices refrigerated leftover pizza

Instructions
 

  • Place two slices of pizza in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook on 350° F for 3-4 minutes. Thicker pizza may need slightly longer, while thinner pizza may need slightly less time. Check at the 3 minute mark to gauge if it’s done or not.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 3kcalCarbohydrates: 0.3gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 0.1mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 0.02gSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.03mg
Keyword Pizza
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

What Oil & Oil Sprayer is Best for the Air Fryer?

The biggest issue most air fryer lovers face is finding the right oil and oil sprayer to use on food cooked in the air fryer. A fine mist of oil will help the entire piece of food crisp evenly, so it’s very important.

My personal preference is to use canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil. I use both a refillable spray bottle like the Evo one pictured below and non-propellant extra virgin olive oil, which has no harmful aerosols or chemicals.

Evo Oil Sprayer Evo Glass Trigger Sprayer Bottle, Non-Aerosol for Olive Cooking Oils, 6-Ounce Capacity, 6 oz, Yellow/Black/Red
Pompeian USDA Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Non-Stick Cooking Spray, Full-Bodied Flavor, Perfect for Salads and Pasta Drizzling, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, No Propellants, 5 FL. OZ., Single Bottle
Tenlary Oil Sprayer for Cooking - 210ml Glass Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle Spray Mister-Reusable Food Grade Oil Vinegar Spritzer Sprayer Bottles,kitchen Gadgets Accessories for Air Fryer,BBQ (Orange)

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19 thoughts on “How to Reheat Pizza in the Air Fryer

  1. airfryer says:

    5 stars
    I have always hated reheated pizza but this actually sounds like it may work! If and when I finally get an air fryer. I would certainly attempt it after reading this post.

  2. col mustard says:

    I’m a little hesitant to try this because I don’t want the cheese to melt all over the place – does it make a mess?

    • Angela Morris says:

      It really doesn’t make too much of a mess. If you are concerned you could try the parchment paper or silicon basket liners. They definitely make air fryer clean up quick and easy.

  3. Jessica says:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I’ve tried reheating pizza in the microwave before and it always turned out soggy. This air fryer made the crust crispy again.

  4. Charlie Lyle says:

    I just got an air fryer and was looking for new ways to use it. I never would have thought to use it to reheat pizza. I’m definitely going to try this with other leftovers.

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